One person or a small home
If you shop little and often and store very few frozen foods, consider a table-top or single-door fridge. Check the space available for fresh food separately from any freezer compartment.
Which format is right for you?
A household that shops weekly
A fridge-freezer lets you keep fresh and frozen food in one appliance. If you freeze some of your shopping, the balance between the two compartments matters just as much as the total capacity.
A large household with a spacious kitchen
A multi-door model may suit you if you need plenty of storage and separate compartments. Before choosing this format, measure delivery access and allow enough room to open the doors.
What should you check before choosing?
Start with your shopping habits, then rule out any models that won’t fit the available space or delivery route. Next, compare their noise levels and energy consumption.
Table-top fridge
Worth considering: for a very small kitchen and frequent shopping, with little frozen food to store.
Bear in mind: storage capacity is limited, and whether there’s a freezer compartment depends on the model.
Single-door fridge
Worth considering: if you mainly store fresh food or have a separate freezer.
Check: whether it has a freezer compartment and, if so, its capacity.
Fridge-freezer
Worth considering: if you want to keep fresh and frozen food in one appliance.
Check: whether the split between fridge and freezer capacity suits your shopping habits.
Multi-door fridge-freezer
Worth considering: if you need lots of storage and want several compartments.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to check the width, delivery access and clearance for opening the doors carefully.
| Criteria | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Usable capacity | Compare the fridge and freezer capacities in litres separately. Que Choisir suggests starting with 100 to 150 L for one person, then adding 50 L for each additional person. Adjust this guide to suit your shopping habits. | I do a big shop less often, or regularly keep frozen food: the total capacity doesn’t tell me whether each compartment will be big enough. |
| Space and delivery | Measure the height, width and depth, then measure doorways, corridors, turns and the space where the appliance will go. Check the door swing and ventilation clearances in the instructions for the exact model. | My fridge needs to fit into my home, have room for its doors to open and allow access to the drawers once it’s installed. |
| Noise | Compare the stated dB(A) rating and the noise class of the models you’re considering. Que Choisir classifies fridges rated below 40 dBA as quieter models. | Noise matters more to me in a studio flat or open-plan kitchen than it would in a separate kitchen. |
| Energy | The European Commission states that domestic fridges have used the A to G energy label scale since March 2021. Check the kWh/year figure too, and compare appliances of a similar size and capacity. | I want a capacity that suits my shopping without choosing a larger appliance just for its extra features. |
| Maintenance | Check the instructions for the exact model for installation and maintenance guidance. For the refrigeration appliances covered, the European Commission sets out requirements for the availability of certain spare parts. Check which parts and conditions apply to your model. | I want to be able to find the maintenance instructions and understand what repair options are available for the appliance I buy. |
Which mistakes should you avoid?
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Focusing only on total capacity
The total capacity may look sufficient, but the freezer compartment could be too small if you regularly buy frozen food.
Estimate how much space you need for fresh and frozen food separately, then compare the stated capacity of each compartment.
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Measuring only the final space
The fridge also needs to fit through the access route, have room for its doors to open and meet the clearances in its instructions.
Measure the delivery route and check the dimensioned drawing and installation instructions for the exact model.
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Comparing only the energy rating
The letter doesn’t tell you the stated annual energy consumption. Size and features also affect energy use, as ADEME points out.
Once you’ve worked out the capacity you need, compare the kWh/year figures for models of a similar size and format.
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Choosing extra features first
A water dispenser or smart features won’t solve a lack of freezer space or a door that doesn’t open properly in your kitchen.
Check the dimensions, capacity, noise and installation requirements first, then decide which features you’ll actually use.
Which brands should you compare?
These brands offer models in the formats covered here. Compare the specifications of each model rather than assuming they apply to an entire range.
Bosch
Bosch Electroménager France features fridge-freezers, multi-door models and single-door fridges without a freezer compartment.
- Several formats to consider, depending on the space available and your freezer needs.
- Check the features and installation instructions on the product page and in the manual for the model you choose.
LG
LG France features multi-door fridges, including models listed with capacities of 506 L and 646 L.
- Different capacities to compare if your household needs to store large quantities of food.
- For each model, check the freezer capacity, dimensions, noise level and kWh/year figure.
Samsung
Samsung France features multi-door models, including options listed with capacities of 488 L and 674 L.
- Configurations to consider when capacity and compartment layout are important.
- Dimensions and features vary by model, so check them before arranging delivery and installation.
Joybuy fridges for different storage needs
This selection includes fridge-freezers for keeping fresh and frozen food together, multi-door models for greater storage capacity, and a single-door fridge for a small amount of fresh food. Compare their capacities with the space you have available.
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Haier HTW5618ENMG, three-door fridge-freezer, 360 L
Worth considering if you want to store fresh and frozen food in one appliance. The model name indicates a 360 L capacity, Total No Frost and an E energy rating. Check how the capacity is split between compartments and the clearances required for installation.
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Candy CFQQ5T817EPS, four-door multi-door fridge-freezer, 467 L
Its multi-door design may suit larger shops, provided your kitchen and delivery route can accommodate it. The model name indicates a 467 L capacity, Total No Frost and an E energy rating. Check that the doors can open fully and that there’s enough room for installation.
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Samsung RF50C530EB1, black multi-door fridge, 495 L
Worth considering if you need plenty of capacity and have room for a multi-door model. The model name indicates a 495 L capacity and an E energy rating. Check the dimensions, delivery access and installation requirements before choosing it.
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CHiQ JR227LSE, silver fridge-freezer, 227 L
This fridge-freezer is worth considering if you need space for fresh and frozen food and width is a factor in your kitchen. The model name indicates a 153 L fridge, a 74 L freezer, a width of 54 cm, Low Frost and an E energy rating. Check its height and depth too, along with the ventilation requirements.
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Sonlu CS-100L, single-door fridge, 82 L
Worth considering for a small amount of fresh food, rather than for a household that needs to store frozen food in the same appliance. The model name indicates an 82 L capacity and an E energy rating. Check its dimensions and the clearances required for its location.
Frequently asked questions
How can I tell whether a fridge will fit through to my kitchen?
Measure the appliance and the entire route from your home’s access points to its final position, including doorways, corridors, lifts and turns. Check the packaged dimensions if they’re available, then check the door swing and ventilation clearances in the instructions for the exact model.
What capacity should I look for as one person or for a household?
Que Choisir suggests 100 to 150 L of usable capacity for one person, then an extra 50 L for each additional person. Adjust this starting point to how often you shop, and compare fridge and freezer capacities separately if you store frozen food.
What should I look for on the energy label?
Check the energy rating and stated annual consumption, then consider them in the context of the capacity you need. The European Commission states that domestic fridges have used the A to G scale since March 2021. The QR code on the label may also provide more information about the model.
How can I check whether a fridge can be repaired?
Find the exact model number and check its instructions, along with information about spare parts and repair services. For the refrigeration appliances covered, the European Commission sets out requirements for certain spare parts to be available for at least 7 years and door seals for 10 years. Check which parts and conditions apply to the model you’re considering.
Is a multi-door model always suitable for a family?
No. Its suitability depends on how much capacity you’ll actually use and whether there’s enough room for delivery, installation and opening the doors. If a fridge-freezer offers enough space for your fresh and frozen food, compare that option too before choosing a larger appliance.